Bibliophile I (2009 Books)
Bitter Chocolate, Carol Off
Interesting but didn't get to finish by the time I had to return it to the libary. Plus I always felt like eating chocolate when I read this book, although that might not have been the author's intent :P
Eat, Pray, Love, Elizabeth Gilbert
What a fabulous writer! This is a funny and insightful read that's cleverly and thoughtfully written. Got me thinking about my own spiritual journey, taking care of myself emotionally, being adventurous, and taking risks by giving more of myself to others. It also confirmed my desire to visit Italy and India.
Paula: My Story So Far, Paula Radcliffe
I had no idea Paula Radcliffe used to run shorter distances on the track before she became a marathon star. Apparently she's had her fair share of injuries, like me, so it's nice to know that it's still possible to run well. Of course it helps to have great talent.
Fierce Heart, Stuart Holmes Coleman (12/11/09)
An inside look at several of the most prominent characters out of Makaha -- Buffalo and Brian Keaulana, Rell Sunn, and Israel Kamakawiwo'ole. I had seen Rell Sunn's Heart of the Sea documentary over 6 years ago in Philly and have heard a lot about the Keaulana family, but this book reminded me and added additional knowledge about the way that these people's lives influenced the Hawaiian renaissance and the way these people epitomized aloha. Though I'm still scared to surf out at Makaha, this book sure makes me want to try even harder to make it out there. Maybe I just need a friend to take me.
What I Talk About When I Talk About Running, Haruki Murakami (12/4/09)
A cute little memoir of a 60-year-old, well-known Japanese author and his memories and explanations of running. This is the first book on running that I've read by someone who is a dedicated but not especially fast runner (although I should say that he's run many more marathons than I have and in faster times than I have, but I'm not especially fast and he's gotten slower over the years). Rather than telling people how to run faster or documenting a successful running career, as other running books I've read do, Murakami writes about his journeys as a runner and tries to explain the reasons why he runs. I like the way this book conveys some of the familiar feelings and thoughts that run through my head when I run. Actually, reading Murakami's memoir made me think this would be the perfect gift for Christian. Too bad I gave it to him then found out that he owns it and has already read it!
Angry Conversations with God, Susan E. Isaacs (11/7/09)
A woman takes God to marriage counseling because despite her persistent desire to walk with God, she feels He has abandoned her by allowing people like her father and several ex-boyfriends to lead her astray and make her, well, angry at God. I felt like I could relate to a lot of her experiences, especially as a Christian being in romantic relationships. Wasn't a must-read, but it did make me think about certain aspects of being in a relationship a little differently.
Stealing Adda, Tamara Leigh (11/6/09)
A Christian romance novel, if you can believe it. I've never really read romance novels (other than Jane Eyre, which is one of my favorites). The only two I can remember reading in the past few years are both by Tamara Leigh (the first was Splitting Harriet). Rated PG-13ish and entertaining. I'm not sure whether this will uplift or depress, as most women go through lots of failures before they find the right guy and are successful in their professions. Leigh's books are focused on the one that actually works out and the career that thrives, but sometimes a little suspension of disbelief doesn't hurt...
How To Be Good, Nick Hornby (11/3/09)
Kinda depressing story of a woman's struggle to regain control of her life after having an affair due to extreme unhappiness with her marriage and her husband's subsequent drastic change in personality.
Pre: The Story of America's Greatest Running Legend, Tom Jordan
A much more in-depth narrative of Pre's life and accomplishments than the movies on Pre. Very inspirational and insightful. Written by the guy who organizes the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon (which I finally got to see in 2010! http://shaynahiga.blogspot.com/2010/07/post-trip-wrap-up.html)
Once A Runner, John L. Parker, Jr.
Touted as one of the best books on running and one of the most accurate depictions of true runners' lives, this book was originally published by the author himself and distributed at various running stores and bookstores (according to wikipedia). Even if you've never raced competitively for a school, Parker has a way of describing feelings, thoughts, relationships, and routines that are familiar to all kinds of runners. A bit slow-going in the first few chapters, I was quickly drawn into the story and charisma of Quenton Cassidy. Find some of my favorite quotes here: http://shaynahiga.blogspot
Duel in the Sun, John Brant
Wow. This was a fascinating story of Alberto Salazar and Dick Beardsley -- two great distance runners. Brant jumps through various periods of time, weaving together the story of the two men and really giving the reader an intimate sense of their personalities, their competitiveness, and the way their lives changed after the race. These men were very different characters bound by one common event, followed by individuals battles with depression and prescription drug addiction. This is a quick read but very insightful. Runners can relate to a lot of the experiences described here.
A Kind of Grace, Jackie Joyner-Kersee
I knew a bit about JJK before reading this autobiography, but after learning all that she went through and still succeeded, I have a new-found respect for this woman. She grew up in a poor neighborhood in East St. Louis, lost her mother to Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome during her first year at UCLA (she recounts her last moments seeing her mother on a respirator, swollen, skin stretched out, and neck and hands black as licorice), and faced recurring injuries and accusations of drug use; yet she recognizes she has been blessed with talent (not just in track but also in basketball), opportunities, success, and love. It was also interesting to hear details and stories of other track athletes and celebrities she's encountered. An easy, inspirational read, especially for you female athletes out there.
The Man Who Made Lists: Love, Death, Madness, and the Creation of Roget's Thesaurus, Joshua Kendall
Didn't make it entirely through this one yet, and I have a sneaking suspicion I won't pick it up soon.
Coma, Alex Garland
This one was a strange, random book I selected to read in one afternoon while hanging out at Borders. I actually don't remember a whole lot, but there's a section that describes consciousness. It reminds me of certain times when I've been peeing and had to make sure I was awake and not dreaming of peeing.
Blues All Around Me, B.B. King
The Man Comes Around: The Spiritual Journey of Johnny Cash, Dave Urbanski
Cash: The Autobiography, Johnny Cash
Good reading. I forgot to write these two up earlier, so I can't recall the details. But I remember liking them both and gaining a deeper appreciation and admiration for Johnny Cash because of these books.
Interesting but didn't get to finish by the time I had to return it to the libary. Plus I always felt like eating chocolate when I read this book, although that might not have been the author's intent :P
Eat, Pray, Love, Elizabeth Gilbert
What a fabulous writer! This is a funny and insightful read that's cleverly and thoughtfully written. Got me thinking about my own spiritual journey, taking care of myself emotionally, being adventurous, and taking risks by giving more of myself to others. It also confirmed my desire to visit Italy and India.
Paula: My Story So Far, Paula Radcliffe
I had no idea Paula Radcliffe used to run shorter distances on the track before she became a marathon star. Apparently she's had her fair share of injuries, like me, so it's nice to know that it's still possible to run well. Of course it helps to have great talent.
Fierce Heart, Stuart Holmes Coleman (12/11/09)
An inside look at several of the most prominent characters out of Makaha -- Buffalo and Brian Keaulana, Rell Sunn, and Israel Kamakawiwo'ole. I had seen Rell Sunn's Heart of the Sea documentary over 6 years ago in Philly and have heard a lot about the Keaulana family, but this book reminded me and added additional knowledge about the way that these people's lives influenced the Hawaiian renaissance and the way these people epitomized aloha. Though I'm still scared to surf out at Makaha, this book sure makes me want to try even harder to make it out there. Maybe I just need a friend to take me.
What I Talk About When I Talk About Running, Haruki Murakami (12/4/09)
A cute little memoir of a 60-year-old, well-known Japanese author and his memories and explanations of running. This is the first book on running that I've read by someone who is a dedicated but not especially fast runner (although I should say that he's run many more marathons than I have and in faster times than I have, but I'm not especially fast and he's gotten slower over the years). Rather than telling people how to run faster or documenting a successful running career, as other running books I've read do, Murakami writes about his journeys as a runner and tries to explain the reasons why he runs. I like the way this book conveys some of the familiar feelings and thoughts that run through my head when I run. Actually, reading Murakami's memoir made me think this would be the perfect gift for Christian. Too bad I gave it to him then found out that he owns it and has already read it!
Angry Conversations with God, Susan E. Isaacs (11/7/09)
A woman takes God to marriage counseling because despite her persistent desire to walk with God, she feels He has abandoned her by allowing people like her father and several ex-boyfriends to lead her astray and make her, well, angry at God. I felt like I could relate to a lot of her experiences, especially as a Christian being in romantic relationships. Wasn't a must-read, but it did make me think about certain aspects of being in a relationship a little differently.
Stealing Adda, Tamara Leigh (11/6/09)
A Christian romance novel, if you can believe it. I've never really read romance novels (other than Jane Eyre, which is one of my favorites). The only two I can remember reading in the past few years are both by Tamara Leigh (the first was Splitting Harriet). Rated PG-13ish and entertaining. I'm not sure whether this will uplift or depress, as most women go through lots of failures before they find the right guy and are successful in their professions. Leigh's books are focused on the one that actually works out and the career that thrives, but sometimes a little suspension of disbelief doesn't hurt...
How To Be Good, Nick Hornby (11/3/09)
Kinda depressing story of a woman's struggle to regain control of her life after having an affair due to extreme unhappiness with her marriage and her husband's subsequent drastic change in personality.
Pre: The Story of America's Greatest Running Legend, Tom Jordan
A much more in-depth narrative of Pre's life and accomplishments than the movies on Pre. Very inspirational and insightful. Written by the guy who organizes the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon (which I finally got to see in 2010! http://shaynahiga.blogspot.com/2010/07/post-trip-wrap-up.html)
Once A Runner, John L. Parker, Jr.
Touted as one of the best books on running and one of the most accurate depictions of true runners' lives, this book was originally published by the author himself and distributed at various running stores and bookstores (according to wikipedia). Even if you've never raced competitively for a school, Parker has a way of describing feelings, thoughts, relationships, and routines that are familiar to all kinds of runners. A bit slow-going in the first few chapters, I was quickly drawn into the story and charisma of Quenton Cassidy. Find some of my favorite quotes here: http://shaynahiga.blogspot
Duel in the Sun, John Brant
Wow. This was a fascinating story of Alberto Salazar and Dick Beardsley -- two great distance runners. Brant jumps through various periods of time, weaving together the story of the two men and really giving the reader an intimate sense of their personalities, their competitiveness, and the way their lives changed after the race. These men were very different characters bound by one common event, followed by individuals battles with depression and prescription drug addiction. This is a quick read but very insightful. Runners can relate to a lot of the experiences described here.
A Kind of Grace, Jackie Joyner-Kersee
I knew a bit about JJK before reading this autobiography, but after learning all that she went through and still succeeded, I have a new-found respect for this woman. She grew up in a poor neighborhood in East St. Louis, lost her mother to Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome during her first year at UCLA (she recounts her last moments seeing her mother on a respirator, swollen, skin stretched out, and neck and hands black as licorice), and faced recurring injuries and accusations of drug use; yet she recognizes she has been blessed with talent (not just in track but also in basketball), opportunities, success, and love. It was also interesting to hear details and stories of other track athletes and celebrities she's encountered. An easy, inspirational read, especially for you female athletes out there.
The Man Who Made Lists: Love, Death, Madness, and the Creation of Roget's Thesaurus, Joshua Kendall
Didn't make it entirely through this one yet, and I have a sneaking suspicion I won't pick it up soon.
Coma, Alex Garland
This one was a strange, random book I selected to read in one afternoon while hanging out at Borders. I actually don't remember a whole lot, but there's a section that describes consciousness. It reminds me of certain times when I've been peeing and had to make sure I was awake and not dreaming of peeing.
Blues All Around Me, B.B. King
The Man Comes Around: The Spiritual Journey of Johnny Cash, Dave Urbanski
Cash: The Autobiography, Johnny Cash
Good reading. I forgot to write these two up earlier, so I can't recall the details. But I remember liking them both and gaining a deeper appreciation and admiration for Johnny Cash because of these books.
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